Cone Denim x Juan Carlos Gordillo x Jeanologia Launch Collaborative Collection at Kingpins New York

Greensboro, N.C., – Cone Denim® will debut Ethica, a denim design collaboration with Guatemalan-based designer Juan Carlos Gordillo and sustainable wash innovators Jeanologia® at Kingpins Show New York, January 23-24. The collection embodies artisanal garments and craftsmanship that symbolize creativity and sustainability, intersecting to create a visually striking denim garment collection.

Ethica was created with Cone Denim fabrics, custom-designed and hand-painted in abstract forms to create one-of-a-kind pieces by Gordillo. The fabrics contain 100 percent cotton, recycled cotton and Tencel™, a biodegradable, eco-friendly fiber that adds lightness and fluidity.

“We admired the work of Juan Carlos and his remarkable ability to bring culture and art into his garment designs,” stated Cone Denim Design Director Pierette Scavuzzo. “Every detail and step of his process is deliberate and paced with intention. After our initial connection, we wanted to provide Gordillo with another platform to showcase his hand-sewn garments, particularly in an era of heavy automation.”

For this, the final garments were then sent to Jeanologia, to perfect Gordillo’s vision through the use of their leading laser and washing innovations. Ethica utilizes Jeanologia’s technology to emphasize fine lines and laser-cut patterns, reminiscent of the classic whiskers found in denim, that seamlessly merge with organic textures and give the collection a handcrafted feel.

“We thought a pairing of craftsmanship with modern technology would be an interesting contrast and design collaboration,” added Scavuzzo. “For this reason, we chose the Kingpins New York show to highlight his artistry while collaborating with sustainable innovators Jeanologia, partnering with their Miami hub to keep all aspects of this partnership close to home.”

The collection features treatments of laser finishing and ozone bleaching, which gives the fabric a weathered character. Gordillo believes that organic dissolutions across the surface evoke human vulnerability.

“Beyond design, these garments tell stories of ethics, artistry, and transformation,” said Ethica designer Juan Carlos Gordillo. “They celebrate the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, inviting reflection on the importance of protecting our environment. Each stitch and faded detail carry a message; conscious choices in fashion are essential to building a better future.”

For Gordillo, who has been featured at events such as Vienna’s MQ Fashion Week and Berlin Fashion Week, advocacy and commitment to ethical fashion are crucial. Through this project, Gordillo hopes to push the boundaries of ethical fashion, showing that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.

“This is denim that not only covers bodies, but also inspires change,” added Gordillo. “With every piece, Ethica weaves a narrative of raw, evocative beauty and functional elegance, designed to accompany everyday life while projecting a powerful statement: quality, ethics, and sustainability are inseparable.”